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Historic Scotland and the Army announce 10 year development plan for Edinburgh Castle

1 March 2010

Historic Scotland and the Army are celebrating another milestone in their partnership by announcing a further commitment to work together on a collaborative 10-year development plan on the use of space at Edinburgh Castle and to deliver the best experience for visitors to Scotland's premier attraction.

The new joint strategy for the next 10 years was agreed during a meeting of the Castle family including The Scottish National War Memorial, The National War Museum, the Army and Historic Scotland. The main aims being clear joint-working with all partners; understanding and merging objectives and sharing expertise to ensure best use of Edinburgh Castle for visitors and stakeholders.

Peter Bromley, Historic Scotland Director of Properties in Care, said: “I am delighted to announce that the project team will move forward with another 10-year plan which reflects the strong partnership working. The last 10 years has been an immensely successful time for Edinburgh Castle, which established the site as Scotland’s leading tourist attraction with over 1.2 million visitors and hosting major and international events such as Homecoming 2009. Our objective is to work, in collaboration with key partners, to ensure another successful 10.

“This announcement also reinforces the commitment between Historic Scotland and the Army. We work alongside the Army in the day to day running and overall operation of Edinburgh Castle, it is a successful relationship and we wish to see it continue. The presence of the Army is an integral part of understanding Edinburgh Castle’s military and defence in an historical sense, and is a key part of the Edinburgh Castle story that millions of visitors have experienced.

“We consistently work with key partners at Edinburgh Castle on a long term strategy to ensure that we maximise space in the best possible manner for the benefit of visitors and all other users at Scotland’s leading attraction, and we will continue to do this in the future.”

Brigadier David Allfrey said: “I am delighted that Historic Scotland and The Army in Scotland and our other stakeholders - including among others: HQ 2nd Division, The Governor's staff HQ 51 (Scottish) Brigade, headquarters and units in Edinburgh Garrison, the Regimental Museums and the Scottish National War Memorial - are able to take a joint and strategic perspective on the challenges of working together towards optimum efficiency and effectiveness.

“I sense that we have a wide variety of shared outcomes and I look forward to working closely with Historic Scotland and Scottish Government to develop a programme that ensures we can all make the most of this wonderful facility. Edinburgh Castle has been an iconic symbol of Scotland and has a proud military heritage.

“This great and historic place deserves a well-found partnership underpinned by energy, imagination and focus. We have undertaken to meet up as a routine both to set the strategic atmosphere for our endeavours and reinforce the tremendous work that has been done in years past and is underway today.”

Notes for editors

Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament. For more information visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Historic Scotland is delighted to be supporting the 2009 Year of Homecoming with a series of initiatives including family trails, spectacular events and the creation of a Homecoming Pass for heritage attractions in association with other heritage organisations.